Smokey Robinson, Cruisin’ | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 42^nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Cruisin’” by Smokey Robinson.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 42^nd edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2023), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “Cruisin’”, performed by 🎙 Smokey Robinson. 

“Let the music take your mind / Just release and you will find.”  🎙 Smokey Robinson is a legend – period. The soul icon is one of Motown’s most important artists and songwriters with no shortage of hits.  In 1979, Robinson struck gold with another big-time hit, 🎵 “Cruisin’”, which graced his album, 💿 Where There’s Smoke… The chill, smooth soul joint was a pop hit, peaking at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. “Crusin’” was nominated for a 🏆 Grammy at the 22^nd Annual Grammy Awards, but ultimately lost.  Robinson would win his sole Grammy at the 30^th Annual Grammy Awards.

So, what makes “Cruisin’” the vibe that it is? Smokey Robinson’s potent but silky smooth vocals play a sizable role.  He never breaks a sweat as he proposes this sensual cruise.  “Baby, let’s cruise, away from here / Don’t be confused, the way is clear,” he asserts in the first verse, continuing, “And if you want it, you got it, forever / This is not a one night stand, baby.” Woo! Well, at least he’s clear about his intentions! The verses (three in total) are incredibly sweet.  That said, we all know the centerpiece – the crowning achievement – is the chorus, in all its glory:

“You’re gonna fly away

Glad you’re going my way

I love it when we’re cruisin’ together

The music is played for love

Cruisin’ is made for love

I love it when you’re cruisin’ together.”

Robinson wrote 🎵 “Cruisin’” with 🎼 ✍ Marv Tarplin. He produced it himself 💪. #ICONIC!

🎙 Smokey Robinson • 💿 Where There’s Smoke… • 🏷 Motown • 📅 1979

Smokey Robinson, “Cruisin’”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 42 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]